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News Release

Beaverton Among Recipients Of “Excellence On Main” Awards - 10/08/25

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. A total of 11 projects, activities, and people were recognized. Beaverton was the recipient of two awards based on nominations from the Beaverton Downtown Association.
 

2025 Leadership on Main: Kirsten Agard, Beaverton Downtown Association

The 2025 Leadership on Main Award honors Kirsten Agard, Chair of the Beaverton Downtown Association, for her extraordinary dedication and impact over the past six years. Kirsten guided BDA through multiple leadership transitions and the challenges of COVID-19 while driving major initiatives that transformed downtown, including launching signature events like Boba Dash, BOOverton, and LagerFest, advancing the Pollinator Pathway project, and strengthening board diversity. Her hands-on leadership—ranging from strategic planning to grant writing—helped position BDA for long-term success, culminating in its recent accreditation as a Main Street America program. Beyond her work in Beaverton, Kirsten contributes to regional leadership through service on nonprofit boards and professional recognition at the national level.
 

2025 Open Door Award: Carina’s Bakery

The 2025 Open Door Award recognizes Carina’s Bakery in Beaverton for its commitment to inclusion and community impact. Founded in 2017 by Carina Comer, who is legally blind, the bakery was created to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities—currently making up about 75% of its staff. Through adaptive technology, mentorship, and tailored training, Carina’s Bakery empowers employees to build skills and confidence, often leading to new career paths. Beyond employment, the bakery contributes to the community through local events and initiatives like its “Treat It Forward” program, while serving as a model for inclusive hiring and demonstrating how businesses can thrive by embracing accessibility and diversity.
 

“Kirsten Agard and Carina’s Bakery illustrate the power of people and businesses to shape vibrant, welcoming downtowns,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “Their leadership, creativity, and commitment to inclusion not only strengthen Beaverton but also demonstrate how communities across Oregon can thrive when we invest in people, preserve our unique character, and open doors of opportunity for all.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

Beaverton Among Recipients Of “Excellence On Main” Awards - 10/08/25

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. A total of 11 projects, activities, and people were recognized. Beaverton was the recipient of two awards based on nominations from the Beaverton Downtown Association.
 

2025 Leadership on Main: Kirsten Agard, Beaverton Downtown Association

The 2025 Leadership on Main Award honors Kirsten Agard, Chair of the Beaverton Downtown Association, for her extraordinary dedication and impact over the past six years. Kirsten guided BDA through multiple leadership transitions and the challenges of COVID-19 while driving major initiatives that transformed downtown, including launching signature events like Boba Dash, BOOverton, and LagerFest, advancing the Pollinator Pathway project, and strengthening board diversity. Her hands-on leadership—ranging from strategic planning to grant writing—helped position BDA for long-term success, culminating in its recent accreditation as a Main Street America program. Beyond her work in Beaverton, Kirsten contributes to regional leadership through service on nonprofit boards and professional recognition at the national level.
 

2025 Open Door Award: Carina’s Bakery

The 2025 Open Door Award recognizes Carina’s Bakery in Beaverton for its commitment to inclusion and community impact. Founded in 2017 by Carina Comer, who is legally blind, the bakery was created to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities—currently making up about 75% of its staff. Through adaptive technology, mentorship, and tailored training, Carina’s Bakery empowers employees to build skills and confidence, often leading to new career paths. Beyond employment, the bakery contributes to the community through local events and initiatives like its “Treat It Forward” program, while serving as a model for inclusive hiring and demonstrating how businesses can thrive by embracing accessibility and diversity.
 

“Kirsten Agard and Carina’s Bakery illustrate the power of people and businesses to shape vibrant, welcoming downtowns,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “Their leadership, creativity, and commitment to inclusion not only strengthen Beaverton but also demonstrate how communities across Oregon can thrive when we invest in people, preserve our unique character, and open doors of opportunity for all.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.